1.Effect of macrophage polarization on osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling in type 2 diabetic osteoporosis
Wenqi CAO ; Xiuzhi FENG ; Yi ZHAO ; Zhimin WANG ; Yiran CHEN ; Xiao YANG ; Yanling REN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):917-925
BACKGROUND:Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a secondary causative factor for osteoporosis.As highly heterogeneous innate immune cells,macrophages may be polarized in a hyperglycemic environment,which affects osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling.This may be a research target for improving bone quality in patients with type 2 diabetic osteoporosis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the role of modulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization to influence osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling in type 2 diabetic osteoporosis and to summarize the effects of commonly used anti-glucose and anti-osteoporosis drugs and bone biorepair materials on bone osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling by regulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization.METHODS:The keywords of"macrophage polarization,type 2 diabetes,osteoporosis,osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling"in Chinese and"macrophages,macrophage polarization,osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling"in English were used to search for relevant literature in CNKI and PubMed,respectively.Seventy-nine pieces of literature were screened and analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Type 2 diabetes mellitus causes the body to be in a hyperglycemic environment and increases the secretion of inflammatory-related factors in the body,which promotes macrophage polarization towards M1 and decreases the number of M2 macrophages.(2)In type 2 diabetes,promoting M2 macrophage polarization is beneficial for osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling.(3)Some anti-glycemic drugs,active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine and bone biorepair materials can improve type 2 diabetic osteoporosis by regulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization,reducing M1/M2 ratio,and promoting osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling.
2.Effect of macrophage polarization on osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling in type 2 diabetic osteoporosis
Wenqi CAO ; Xiuzhi FENG ; Yi ZHAO ; Zhimin WANG ; Yiran CHEN ; Xiao YANG ; Yanling REN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):917-925
BACKGROUND:Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a secondary causative factor for osteoporosis.As highly heterogeneous innate immune cells,macrophages may be polarized in a hyperglycemic environment,which affects osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling.This may be a research target for improving bone quality in patients with type 2 diabetic osteoporosis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the role of modulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization to influence osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling in type 2 diabetic osteoporosis and to summarize the effects of commonly used anti-glucose and anti-osteoporosis drugs and bone biorepair materials on bone osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling by regulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization.METHODS:The keywords of"macrophage polarization,type 2 diabetes,osteoporosis,osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling"in Chinese and"macrophages,macrophage polarization,osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling"in English were used to search for relevant literature in CNKI and PubMed,respectively.Seventy-nine pieces of literature were screened and analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Type 2 diabetes mellitus causes the body to be in a hyperglycemic environment and increases the secretion of inflammatory-related factors in the body,which promotes macrophage polarization towards M1 and decreases the number of M2 macrophages.(2)In type 2 diabetes,promoting M2 macrophage polarization is beneficial for osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling.(3)Some anti-glycemic drugs,active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine and bone biorepair materials can improve type 2 diabetic osteoporosis by regulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization,reducing M1/M2 ratio,and promoting osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling.
3.Targeting dendritic cell metabolic reprogramming: a new strategy for tumor immunotherapy
REN Ziyu ; WU Jing ; CHEN Jingtao
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(5):477-485
[摘 要] 树突状细胞(DC)是连接固有免疫与适应性免疫的核心枢纽,其功能稳态是介导肿瘤免疫监视的关键。然而,肿瘤微环境(TME)通过营养竞争及免疫抑制代谢产物的累积,驱动DC发生代谢重编程,进而诱导免疫应答功能缺陷。本文系统综述了TME中DC各亚型在三大代谢层面的重塑机制:糖代谢层面,高乳酸微环境通过GPR81信号抑制MHC-Ⅱ类分子表达,削弱传统树突状细胞(cDC)的抗原提呈能力;脂代谢层面,Wnt5a-β-catenin-PPARγ-CPT1A轴介导的脂肪酸氧化促进cDC向免疫抑制表型极化;氨基酸代谢层面,Arg1-IDO1通路的级联激活诱导DC获得耐受表型。针对上述代谢异常,当前干预策略已由单一靶点调控拓展至多模式联合,包括基于脂质纳米颗粒的原位疫苗与mRNA递送系统、代谢-免疫协同阻断,以及代谢状态优化的DC疫苗等。因此,深化对DC代谢检查点的认知,并靶向干预关键代谢检查点,不仅有望逆转免疫抑制微环境、克服治疗耐药,更为开发新一代代谢-免疫联合疗法提供了重要的科学依据与转化策略。
4.Acute effects of air pollution on mortality among residents in Jiading District, Shanghai, in 1994 - 2024
Dongyue MIAO ; Menghao WANG ; Renjie CHEN ; Dongni LIANG ; Yaqing JIN ; Yunjie REN ; Hongjie YU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):29-33
Objective To investigate the exposure-response relationships and lag effects between air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, O3, and NO2) and mortality in Jiading District, Shanghai, and to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of environmental health policies. Methods Using an individual-level time-stratified case-crossover design, conditional logistic regression models in conjunction with a distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) were employed to analyze the exposure-response relationship and temporal lag patterns of ambient air pollution on resident mortality in Jiading District (1994–2024). Results A total of 59 048 death cases were collected, including 18,701 deaths from cardiovascular diseases and 11 731 deaths from respiratory diseases. PM2.5 and NO2 had a significant impact on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease mortality, and respiratory disease mortality, with the most significant effects observed within a lag of 0–3 days. PM10 also had some impact on these three types of mortality, but its effect was generally weaker than that of PM2.5 and NO2. The exposure-response curves showed that the risk of death increased rapidly with increasing concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10, while the effect of NO2 plateaued at higher levels. No significant differences were found across age or gender subgroups. Conclusion Short-term exposure to PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 significantly increases all-cause mortality risk in Jiading District, with effects persisting up to 7 days, highlighting the need for enhanced air pollution control measures, particularly targeting fine particulate matter.
5.Analyses of the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 21 confirmed monkeypox cases in a district of Chengdu City
Kejun LIAO ; Yawen TIAN ; Shuhua REN ; Yong YUE ; Yunfeng HE ; Caibin YANG ; Xuanji CHEN ; Jiangchao LI ; Wan YANG ; Jie LI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(3):231-234
ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the 21 confirmed monkeypox cases in a district of Chengdu City, and to provide scientific guidance for the prevention and control of subsequent monkeypox epidemics. MethodsData of confirmed monkeypox cases residing in this district were collected from the Disease Control and Prevention Information System of China. A retrospective descriptive epidemiological analysis was used to analyze the demographic, distributional and behavioral characteristics of the cases. ResultsThe first confirmed case of monkeypox was reported on July 5, 2023. Up to April 30, 2025, a total of 21 confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reported. All cases were male, with a mean age of (30.9±6.2) years. The highest proportion of cases(47.62%) was in the 30‒40 years age group. The majority were men who have sex with men (MSM) population (90.48%, 19/21). The results showed that 19.05% of cases were co-infected with HIV, and 19.05% had a history of syphilis infection. Within 21 days prior to symptom onset, 19 cases (90.48%) self-reported engaging in male-to-male sexual contact, among whom 10 cases (52.63%) reported having taken protective measures, while 9 cases (47.37%) did not take safety precautions. Thirteen cases (61.90%) had no travel history to areas with reported monkeypox cases during the 21 days before symptom onset. The predominant manifestation was exanthem (100%, 21/21), followed by fever (57.14%, 12/21) and lymphadenectasis (47.62%, 10/21). Among febrile cases, 50.00% (6/12) had low-grade fever (37.3‒38.0 ℃). All cases were identified through active medical consultation. The median interval from symptom onset to the first medical visit was 3 (2, 6) days, with a maximum interval of 14 days. The median interval from symptom onset to laboratory confirmation was 7 (5, 9) days. Six cases (28.57%) had two or more visits to the hospital, with bacterial infection being the primary initial diagnosis. ConclusionMonkeypox prevention and control efforts in a district of Chengdu City should prioritize MSM population and young and middle-aged adults aged 30 to <40 years. It is recommended to establish an integrated monkeypox epidemic prevention and control network by leveraging existing HIV/AIDS prevention and control network. Concurrently, accelerating the deployment of the national intelligent infectious disease monitoring and early warning front-end software will strengthen early detection capabilities and be beneficial for the overall effectiveness of epidemic prevention and control efforts.
6.Effects of Jishe Qushi Capsule (脊蛇祛湿胶囊) on Serum NETs Levels and Macrophage Polarization in Collagen-Induced Arthritis Model Rats
Nina REN ; Wukai MA ; Yi LING ; Xueming YAO ; Ying HUANG ; Daomin LU ; Changming CHEN ; Weichen HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):60-68
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Jishe Qushi Capsule (脊蛇祛湿胶囊, JQC) in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from the perspective of macrophage polarization mediated by neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). MethodsTwenty-four female SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, blank control group, model group, JQC group, and peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) inhibitor group with 6 rats in each group. All groups but the blank control group were subjected to the induction of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). After successful model establishment, rats in the JQC group received intragastric administration of JQC 1.47 g/kg daily; rats in the PAD4 inhibitor group received intraperitoneal injections of the PAD4 inhibitor 4 mg/kg weekly. Rats in the blank, model, and PAD4 inhibitor groups received 2 ml of pure water daily by gavage. All treatments lasted 4 weeks. Joint lesions of each group were assessed on day 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 after model establishment, and arthritis index (AI) scores were recorded. At 24 h after the final administration, histopathology of knee joints, including HE staining, safranin O-fast green staining, and TRAP staining, was performed. Flow cytometry was used to detect the counts of M1 and M2 macrophages in peripheral blood. ELISA was used to determine serum levels of TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS. Western Blotting and qRT-PCR were used to measure MPO, NE, RANKL, OPG, and p65 protein and mRNA expression in knee cartilage tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group showed increased AI scores (P<0.05), marked synovial inflammatory infiltration, angiogenesis, and bone-cartilage destruction, increased TRAP-positive osteoclasts, increased M1 macrophages and decreased M2 macrophages, elevated serum TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05), elevated MPO, NE, RANKL, and p65 protein/mRNA expression and decreased OPG protein/mRNA expression in knee cartilage tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the JQC group exhibited improved synovial inflammation, angiogenesis, and bone-cartilage damage, reduced AI scores on day 21, 28, and 35, decreased osteoclast counts, decreased M1 macrophages and increased M2 macrophages, reduced serum TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05), decreased MPO, NE, RANKL, and p65 protein/mRNA expression and increased OPG expression (P<0.05). Compared with the PAD4 inhibitor group, the JQC group showed significantly lower AI scores, reduced M1 macrophages, increased M2 macrophages (P<0.05), reduced serum TRACP, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS, decreased MPO, RANKL, and p65 expression, and increased OPG levels (P<0.05). ConclusionThe therapeutic mechanism of JQC for RA may involve inhibition of NETs formation, downregulation of the RANKL/NF-κB signaling pathway, and regulation of macrophage M1/M2 polarization imbalance, thereby suppressing osteoclastogenesis and inflammatory bone destruction.
7.Strategies for Building an Artificial Intelligence-Empowered Trusted Federated Evidence-Based Analysis Platform for Spleen-Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Bin WANG ; Huiying ZHUANG ; Zhitao MAN ; Lifeng REN ; Chang HE ; Chen WU ; Xulei HU ; Xiaoxiao WEN ; Chenggong XIE ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):95-102
This paper outlines the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research, and elucidates the roles and advantages of large language models, knowledge graphs, and natural language processing in advancing syndrome identification, prescription generation, and mechanism exploration. Using spleen-stomach diseases as an example, it demonstrates the empowering effects of AI in classical literature mining, precise clinical syndrome differentiation, efficacy and safety prediction, and intelligent education, highlighting an upgraded research paradigm that evolves from data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches to intelligence-driven models. To address challenges related to privacy protection and regulatory compliance in cross-institutional data collaboration, a "trusted federated evidence-based analysis platform for TCM spleen-stomach diseases" is proposed, integrating blockchain-based smart contracts, federated learning, and secure multi-party computation. The deep integration of AI with privacy-preserving computing is reshaping research and clinical practice in TCM spleen-stomach diseases, providing feasible pathways and a technical framework for building a high-quality, trustworthy TCM big-data ecosystem and achieving precision syndrome differentiation.
8.Xiaozheng Zhitong Paste Alleviates Bone Cancer Pain by Regulating PD-1/PD-L1-induced Osteoclast Formation
Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Guangda ZHENG ; Linghan MENG ; Lingyun WANG ; Changlin LI ; Dongtao LI ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):72-79
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the action mechanism by which Xiaozheng Zhitong paste (XZP) alleviates bone cancer pain (BCP) by regulating programmed death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway-induced osteoclast formation. MethodsThirty female C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into the following groups (n=6 per group): normal control group, model group, low‑dose XZP group (31.5 g·kg-1), high‑dose XZP group (63 g·kg-1), and PD‑1 inhibitor (Niv) group. A bone cancer pain (BCP) model was established by injecting Lewis lung carcinoma cells. Mice in the normal control and model groups received topical application of a blank paste matrix at the wound site. Mice in the low‑ and high‑dose XZP groups were treated with XZP applied topically twice daily. Mice in the Niv group were topically administered the blank paste matrix and additionally received Niv via tail‑vein injection every two days. All interventions were continued for 21 days. During this period, behavioral tests were performed to assess mechanical, motor, and thermal nociceptive sensitivities. After 21 days, all mice were euthanized, and bone tissue from the operated side was collected for sectioning and preservation. Tartrate‑resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used to evaluate osteoclast expression in the lesioned bone tissue. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of Runt‑related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in the lesioned bone tissue. Immunofluorescence was employed to assess the expression of PD‑1 and PD‑L1 in the lesioned bone tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased limb mechanical withdrawal threshold, spontaneous paw flinching, and thermal withdrawal latency (P<0.01), increased number of osteoclasts in the lesioned bone tissue (P<0.01), and reduced expression of Runx2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the BCP mice in the XZP low-dose group, XZP high-dose group, and Niv group exhibited increased limb mechanical withdrawal threshold, movement scores, and thermal withdrawal latency (P<0.01). The XZP low-dose group showed no significant changes in osteoclast number or Runx2 expression, while the XZP high-dose group and Niv group demonstrated significantly reduced osteoclast numbers (P<0.01) and significantly increased Runx2 expression (P<0.01). In the lesioned bone tissue of BCP mice, the XZP low-dose group showed no significant decrease in the percentage of PD-1 expression, but a decrease in the percentage of PD-L1 expression (P<0.05). In contrast, both the XZP high-dose group and the Niv group exhibited significant reductions in the percentages of PD-1 and PD-L1 expression (P<0.01). ConclusionXZP alleviates the pain of mice with BCP by blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway to inhibit osteoclastogenesis.
9.Mechanism of Xiaozheng Zhitong Paste in Alleviating Bone Cancer Pain by Regulating Microglial Pyroptosis Based on PINK1/Parkin/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Lingyun WANG ; Guangda ZHENG ; Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Changlin LI ; Dongtao LI ; Haixiao LIU ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):80-90
ObjectiveThe paper aims to investigate the mechanism by which Xiaozheng Zhitong paste (XZP) alleviates bone cancer pain (BCP) through regulating the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin-mediated mitophagy-NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway to suppress microglial pyroptosis. MethodsLipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were used to establish an inflammation and pyroptosis model in microglial cells. The cells were randomly divided into the following groups: control group, LPS group, LPS+low-dose XZP group, LPS+high-dose XZP group, LPS-ATP group, LPS-ATP+low-dose XZP group, LPS-ATP+high-dose XZP group, LPS-ATP+XZP group, and LPS-ATP+XZP+CsA group. Techniques including terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, and confocal fluorescence staining were employed to assess the effects of XZP on microglial apoptosis, inflammatory cytokine release, inflammasome activation, pyroptosis, and mitophagy. ResultsIn vitro experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the LPS group exhibited significantly increased levels of microglial apoptosis and pro-inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)(P<0.01), along with significantly upregulated protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65) (P<0.01). Compared with the LPS group, the high-dose LPS-XZP group significantly reduced the level of apoptosis (P<0.01) and the content of the aforementioned pro-inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Both the low- and high-dose LPS-XZP groups dose-dependently downregulated the protein expression of iNOS, COX-2, and p-NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the LPS-ATP group showed significantly upregulated expression of pyroptosis-related proteins, including Caspase-1/pro-Caspase-1, N-terminal fragment of gasdermin D (GSDMD-N)/full-length gasdermin D (GSDMD-F), NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), IL-1β precursor (pro-IL-1β), and mature IL-1β (P<0.01). The levels of pyroptotic factors IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and membrane pore formation and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the LPS-ATP group, both the low- and high-dose LPS-ATP+XZP groups dose-dependently downregulated the expression of the aforementioned pyroptosis-related proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). The low-dose LPS-ATP+XZP group reduced IL-1β levels (P<0.01), while the high-dose group reduced both IL-1β and IL-18 levels (P<0.01) Both the low- and high-dose LPS-ATP+XZP groups dose-dependently reduced membrane pore formation and intracellular ROS production (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the LPS-ATP group showed significantly reduced expression of mitophagy-related proteins PINK1 and Parkin, and a decreased ratio of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ(LC3Ⅱ) to LC3Ⅰ(P<0.01), while p62 expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Mitochondrial ROS levels were significantly enhanced (P<0.01). Compared with the LPS-ATP group, both the low- and high-dose LPS-ATP+XZP groups dose-dependently reversed the expression of these proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01) and reduced mitochondrial ROS levels (P<0.01). After treatment with the mitophagy inhibitor cyclosporin A (CsA), the beneficial effects of XZP on mitochondrial function and its inhibitory effects on pyroptosis-related protein expression were significantly reversed (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXZP reduces ROS levels by activating PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy, thereby inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and microglial pyroptosis, which provides new molecular evidence for the mechanism by which XZP alleviates BCP.
10.Xiaozheng Zhitong Paste Relieves Bone Cancer Pain in Mice by Alleviating Activation of Microglia in Spinal Cord and Damage to Neurons via Blocking PAR2/NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway
Guangda ZHENG ; Linghan MENG ; Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Dongtao LI ; Haixiao LIU ; Lingyun WANG ; Changlin LI ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):91-100
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Xiaozheng Zhitong Paste (XZP) on bone cancer pain (BCP). MethodsThirty female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: a Sham group, a BCP group, a BCP+low-dose XZP group, a BCP+high-dose XZP group, and a BCP+high-dose XZP + protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) agonist GB-110 group. BCP mice model was constructed by injecting Lewis lung carcinoma cells into the femoral cavity of the right leg, which was followed by being treated with XZP for 21 d. After 21 d, the mice were sacrificed. Nissl staining was used to evaluate the survival of spinal cord neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to localize ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) and neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN) in spinal cord tissue, thereby assessing microglial activation and neuronal survival. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in spinal cord tissue. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression levels associated with M1/M2 polarization of microglia. Western blot analysis was performed to examine the expression of proteins related to microglial polarization as well as those involved in the PAR2/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway in the spinal cord. ResultsCompared with the Sham group, the spinal cord neurons were damaged, the number of Nissl-positive spinal cord neurons in the spinal cord tissue was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the rate of NeuN-positive cells was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The spinal cord microglia were activated, the inflammatory level of the spinal cord tissue was enhanced, and Iba1 staining was significantly enhanced (P<0.01). The levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β, IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression of PAR2, NLRP3, ASC and NF-κB p65 proteins in the spinal cord tissue of the BCP mice was significantly enhanced (P<0.01). Compared with the BCP group, high-dose XZP treatment significantly increased the number of Nissl-positive spinal cord neurons in the BCP mice (P<0.01), significantly enhanced the rate of NeuN-positive cells in the spinal cord tissue, and significantly weakened Iba1 staining (P<0.01). In addition, the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly decreased, while the levels of TGF-β, IL-4, and IL-10 were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and iNOS were decreased, whereas those of cluster of differentiation 206 (CD206), arginase-1 (Arg-1), and YM1/2 were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Low-dose and high-dose XZP treatment significantly decreased the expression of PAR2, NLRP3, ASC, and NF-κB p65 proteins in the spinal cord tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). These effects could all be significantly eliminated by the PAR2 agonist GB-110. ConclusionXZP can mitigate BCP in mice, which may be achieved through blocking the activated PAR2/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.


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